Tire with offset beveled knobs

ABSTRACT

A tire includes knob sets having leading edge bevels connected by a ramp. The leading edge bevels may be offset in their positions or angles. Each knob set includes a first knob attached to a second knob. The knobs in each set may differ in lengths or in the angles of the leading edge bevels. Each knob set shares a common base and includes a pair of elongate outermost surfaces divided by an optional axial channel. Each knob set includes a lateral edge, medial edge and a trailing edge. Transverse rows of two or more knob sets may vary in lateral spacing between knob sets to provide narrow and wide rows in an alternating pattern. Knob sets may also be included on sidewalls of the tire.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/202,149, filed Jul. 5, 2016, the contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to tires for bicycles and vehicles.

2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information

A need exists for tire treads to strike a better balance betweenproviding grip and enabling ease of riding with less resistance.Conventional treads that provide greater grip tend to decrease the easeof riding while traditional treads that enable very easy riding providelittle to no grip.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, structures and associatedmethods are disclosed which address these needs and overcome thedeficiencies of the prior art.

In one aspect, a tire comprises a first knob and a second knob attachedto the first knob. The first knob comprises a first leading edge bevel,a first outermost surface and a first length. The second knob comprisesa second leading edge bevel, a second outermost surface and a secondlength. A ramp connects the first beveled leading edge and the secondbeveled leading edge. The ramp may comprise a curved sidewall or a flatwall.

The second leading edge bevel may be disposed in front of the firstleading edge bevel. The first shorter knob may be positioned eitherlateral to the second longer knob, or medial to the second knob.

The tire may further comprise an optional axial channel disposed inbetween the first outermost surface and the second outermost surface.The tire may further comprise a base integral with both the first knoband the second knob.

The first knob and the second knob may be disposed in a central zone ofan outer surface of the tire. The tire may further comprise a third knoband a fourth knob attached to each other and positioned in an outerzone.

In a further aspect, a tire comprises an outer surface having a centralzone, a first sidewall defining a first outer zone, and a secondsidewall defining a second outer zone. A first knob set is disposed inthe central zone. The first knob set comprises a first forward leadingedge bevel, a first recessed leading edge bevel and a first rampconnecting the first forward leading edge bevel and the first recessedleading edge bevel. A second knob set is disposed in the central zoneand disposed transversely to the first knob set. The second knob setcomprises a second forward leading edge bevel, a second recessed leadingedge bevel and a second ramp connecting the second forward leading edgebevel and the second recessed leading edge bevel

The first forward leading edge bevel and the first recessed leading edgebevel may be attached to a first common base. The second forward leadingedge bevel and the second recessed leading edge bevel may be attached toa second common base.

The first knob set may comprise a first pair of elongate outermostsurfaces divided by a first axial channel. The second knob set maycomprise a second pair of elongate outermost surfaces divided by asecond axial channel.

The tire may further comprise a third knob set disposed in the firstouter zone. The third knob set may comprise a third forward leading edgebevel, a third recessed leading edge bevel and a third ramp connectingthe third forward leading edge bevel and the third recessed leading edgebevel. A fourth knob set is disposed in the second outer zone. Thefourth knob set may comprise a fourth forward leading edge bevel, afourth recessed leading edge bevel and a fourth ramp connecting thefourth forward leading edge bevel and the fourth recessed leading edgebevel.

In a further aspect, a tire comprises a first knob, a second knobattached to the first knob, a ramp comprising a sidewall connecting thefirst beveled leading edge and the second beveled leading edge, and abase integral with both the first knob and the second knob. The firstknob comprises a first leading edge bevel, a first outermost surface anda first length. The second knob comprises a second leading edge bevel, asecond outermost surface and a second length. The second length isgreater than the first length and the second leading edge bevel isdisposed in front of the first leading edge bevel. An axial channel isdisposed in between the first outermost surface and the second outermostsurface.

The first knob may be positioned lateral or medial to the second knob.

The first knob and the second knob are disposed in a central zone of anouter surface of the tire. The tire may further comprise a third knoband a fourth knob attached to each other and positioned in an outerzone.

In summary, a tire includes knob sets having leading edge bevelsconnected by a ramp. The leading edge bevels may be offset in theirpositions or angles. Each knob set includes a first knob attached to asecond knob. The knobs in each set may differ in lengths or in theangles of the leading edge bevels. Each knob set shares a common baseand includes a pair of elongate outermost surfaces divided by anoptional axial channel. Each knob set includes a lateral edge, medialedge and a trailing edge. Transverse rows of two or more knob sets mayvary in lateral spacing between knob sets to provide narrow and widerows in an alternating pattern. Knob sets may also be included onsidewalls of the tire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a section of a first preferred embodimentof a tire with beveled knob sets;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a section of the first preferredembodiment of the tire;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a section of a second preferred embodimentof a tire with beveled knob sets;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a section of a third preferredembodiment of a tire with beveled knob sets;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a section of a fourth preferredembodiment of a tire;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a section of a fifth preferred embodimentof a tire;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a section of a sixth preferredembodiment of a tire; and

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a section of a seventh preferredembodiment of a tire.

The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understoodby turning to the following detailed description wherein illustratedembodiments are described. It is to be expressly understood that theillustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way oflimitations on the invention as ultimately defined in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first preferred embodiment of a tire apparatus, or simply tire, isillustrated in FIG. 1 and designated generally by the reference numeral10. The tire may be configured for use with bicycles, scooters,motorcycles, automobiles, trucks, tractors and any other ground vehicleor toy requiring tires. Throughout the specification, “front” or “ahead”refers to a location or direction of a portion of the tire 10 which,when rolling forward, would come into contact with the ground relativelysooner than an adjacent portion of the tire 10.

In FIG. 1, the tire 10 comprises a circumferential outer portion 12. Theouter portion 12 comprises a central zone 14 and a pair of outer zones15 where sidewalls 16 extend radially inward from the central zone 14.The outer tire portion 12 defines a tire circumference. The tire 10 alsodefines a tire width 18 between the sidewalls 16 as shown in FIG. 1.

The outer tire portion 12 comprises knobs 20 extending radially outward.The knobs 20 are preferably formed in attached pairs 22, or simply knobsets 22. In the preferred embodiment, each knob set 22 comprises ashorter knob 20-1 and a longer knob 20-2 attached side-by-side such thateach knob 20-1, 20-2 extends axially and generally parallel to theother.

The longer knob 20-2 defines a second length 24-2 greater than a firstlength 24-1 of the shorter knob 20-1. A first width 26-1 of the shorterknob 20-1 may be greater, lesser or generally the same as a second width26-2 of the longer knob 20-2. In the illustrated embodiment, the widths26-1, 26-2 of the knobs 20-1, 20-2, respectively, in each pair 22 aresubstantially the same.

The shorter knob 20-1 comprises a first leading edge bevel 30-1, a firstoutermost surface 32-1 and a trailing edge 34-1. The longer knob 20-2comprises a second leading edge bevel 30-2 positioned ahead, or infront, of the first leading edge bevel 30-1 such that the longer leadingedge bevel 30-2 would engage the ground surface prior to the shorterleading edge bevel 30-1. A second outermost surface 32-2 of the longerknob 20-2 has a greater length than that of the first outermost surface32-1. In the preferred embodiment, the first outermost surface 32-1 andthe second outermost surface 32-2 are preferably elongate in the axialdirection. In the preferred embodiment, a single transverse trailingedge 34 is provided for the knob set 22. Therefore, the knobs 20-1, 20-2in each pair 22 can terminate at the same or different locations.

A step, or ramp, 38 connects and transitions the first leading edgebevel 30-1 to the second leading edge bevel 30-2. In the preferredembodiment, the ramp 38 comprises surface that begins from a mediallinear edge 41 of the longer leading edge bevel 30-2 and curvescontinuously and rearwardly into the first leading edge bevel 30-1. Theramp 38 may comprise a curved, concave surface or a variety of othersurfaces and contours so as to connect the leading edge bevels.

It will be appreciated that each knob set 22 shares a common base 45that is integral to both the shorter knob 20-1 and longer knob 20-2. Thebase 45 comprises that portion of the knob set 22 that attaches to theouter surface 12 of the tire 10. Employing a single integral base 45 foreach knob set 22 results in a larger footprint with a strongerfoundation than those of conventional detached knobs where eachconventional knob would have its own separate and smaller base.

Each knob set 22 includes a radially inward channel, or indentation, 43formed in between the shorter knob 20-1 and the longer knob 20-2 so asto divide said outermost surfaces 32-1, 32-2, splitting what wouldotherwise be a single outermost surface into a pair of outermostsurfaces 32-1, 32-2. The length of the axially elongate channel 43 maybe longer or shorter than the lengths of the outermost surfaces 32-1,32-2.

Therefore, each knob set 22 comprises a pair of juxtaposed elongateknobs 20-1, 20-2 with offset leading edge bevels 30-1, 30-2, connectedby a ramp 38, a pair of outermost surfaces 32-1, 32-2 which may or maynot be parallel, and a common base 45.

While the preferred knob set 22 in the first preferred embodiment of atire 10 has been heretofore described as a pair of attached knobs 20,one shorter 20-1 and the other longer 20-2, the preferred knob set 22may be alternatively described as a single knob structure 22 havingoffset leading edge bevels, namely a first forward leading edge bevel30-2 and a first recessed leading edge bevel 30-1 connected by a ramp38. The single knob structure 22 comprises a pair of outermost surfaces32-1, 32-2 divided by an axial channel 43. The knob structure furthercomprises a medial sidewall 47, a lateral sidewall 49 and a trailingedge 34.

In contrast to a conventional knob which would consist of only a singleleading edge bevel and a single outermost surface, the preferred knobstructure 22 according to the first preferred embodiment comprises apair of offset leading edge bevels 30-1, 30-2 connected by a ramp 38,thereby providing a total of three leading edge surfaces 30-1, 30-2, 38for each knob structure 22. Furthermore, the preferred knob structure 22comprises a pair of outermost surfaces 32-1, 32-2 created by indenteddivider 43. These above features facilitate an improved grip withoutcausing excess resistance.

In the preferred embodiment, the tire 10 comprises transverse rows 52 ofknob sets 22 where each row 52 preferably comprises at least two knobsets 22. It will be appreciated that the knob sets 22 in each row 43 aresymmetrical such that the lateral knob in each set 22 comprises thelonger knob 20-2 while the medial knob in each set 22 comprises theshorter knob 20-1. Accordingly, the medial knobs 20-1 in each row 43 aretransversely adjacent to each other. Thus, in the first preferredembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two lateral-most knobs throughoutthe tire 10 preferably comprise the longer knobs 20-2 while the medialknobs comprise the shorter knobs 20-1.

To vary the tread, the knob set rows 52 may vary in the lateral spacingbetween the knob sets 22. For example, in the first preferredembodiment, a wide row 52W comprises two knob sets 22 that are laterallyspaced apart from each a greater distance than the two knob sets 22 inan adjacent narrow row 52N. The tire 10 may thus comprise an alternatingpattern of wide knob set rows 52W and narrow knob set rows 52N formedalong the axis A, or length, of the tire 10.

In the preferred embodiment, the tire 10 may comprise at least one axialarray, or column, of knob sets 22. The illustrated embodiment in FIG. 1comprises two axial arrays, namely a right axial array 54R of knob sets22 and a left axial array 54L of knob sets 22. In the first preferredembodiment, each array 54R, 54L comprises knob sets 22 where eachlateral knob comprises the longer knob 20-2. In the first preferredembodiment, the knob sets 22 in each array 54R, 54L are not axiallyaligned, but preferably formed in alternating pattern of a morelaterally positioned knob set 22 followed by a more medially positionedknob set 22. In the first preferred embodiment, the axial arrays 54R,54L of knob sets 22 are located in the central zone 14 of the tire 10,namely, that portion of the tire 10 which would engage the ground whenriding straight.

Although two arrays 54R, 54L of knob sets 22 are illustrated in thefirst preferred embodiment, it is to be expressly understood that moreor less axial arrays may be formed (e.g., three or more arrays for widertires).

FIG. 3 shows a second preferred embodiment of a tire 10 b where elementsof similar structure are designated by the same reference numeralsfollowed by the lower case “b.” In the second preferred embodiment, thelateral knob in each knob set 22 b comprises the shorter knob 20-1 bwhile the medial knob in each knob set 22 b comprises the longer knob20-2 b. Similar to the first preferred embodiment, the rows 52 b in thesecond preferred embodiment may be configured in alternating patterns ofa closely spaced pair of knob sets 22 b followed by farther spaced pairof knob sets 22 b.

FIG. 4 shows a third preferred embodiment of a tire 10 c where elementsof similar structure are designated by the same reference numeralsfollowed by the lower case “c.” The tire 10 c may comprise an additionalouter array 58 of knob sets 22 c on each sidewall 16 c. Therefore, thetire 10 c would comprise a total of two additional outer arrays 54 c ofknob sets 22 c, namely, one array located in each outer zone 15 c inaddition to arrays 54 c located in the central zone 14 c.

In FIG. 4, the lower knob 20-2 c of each set 22 c comprises the longerknob 20-2 c while the upper knob of each set 22 c comprises the shorterknob 20-1 c.

FIG. 5 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of a tire 10 d where elementsof similar structure are designated by the same reference numeralsfollowed by the lower case “d.” Similar to the third preferredembodiment shown in FIG. 4, the tire 10 d comprises an additional outerarray 58 d of knob sets 22 d on each sidewall 16 d in the outer zone 15d in addition to arrays 54 d located in the central zone 14 d. However,in FIG. 5, the lower knob 20-1 d of each set 22 d comprises the shorterknob 20-1 d while the upper knob of each set 22 d comprises the longerknob 20-2 d.

FIG. 6 shows a fifth preferred embodiment of a tire 10 e where elementsof similar structure are designated by the same reference numeralsfollowed by the lower case “e.” In this preferred embodiment, each knobset 22 e comprises a single top surface 32 e without an axial channel.Each knob set 22 e comprises a first leading edge bevel 30-1 e, a secondleading edge bevel 30-2 e in front of the first leading edge bevel 30-1e, and a connecting ramp 38 e. Each knob set 22 e may also comprise atrailing edge 34 e.

While the more forward leading edge bevels 30-2 e are shown in thelateral positions in this illustrated embodiment, it is to be expresslyunderstood that the beveled leading edges may be reversed such that theforward leading edge bevels 30-2 e are placed in the medial positionswhile the recessed leading edge bevels 30-1 e are placed in the lateralpositions.

FIG. 7 shows a sixth preferred embodiment of a tire 10 f where elementsof similar structure are designated by the same reference numeralsfollowed by the lower case “f” In this preferred embodiment, each knobset 22 f comprises an attached pair of knobs 20-1 f, 20-2 f that startfrom a common leading edge 70. Instead of employing pairs of offsetknobs, each knob set 22 f comprises a first knob 20-1 f having a firstleading edge bevel 30-1 f that is angled differently than that of asecond leading edge bevel 30-2 f. The angles, or slopes, of the leadingedge bevels 30-1 f, 30-2 f are in reference to the untreaded section 72of the central zone 56 f of the tire 10 f.

Each knob set 22 f comprises a pair of outermost surfaces 32-1 f, 32-2 fdivided by an optional elongate channel 43 f. Without the optionalchannel 43 f, each knob set 22 f would alternatively have a singleoutermost surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the steeper knob 20-2f is positioned on the lateral side of each knob set 22 f and comprisesa longer outermost surface 32-2 f than the outermost surface 32-1 f ofthe lesser angled knob 20-1 f located in the medial position of eachknob set 22 f.

FIG. 8 shows a seventh preferred embodiment of a tire 10 g whereelements of similar structure are designated by the same referencenumerals followed by the lower case “g.” In this preferred embodiment,each knob set 22 g comprises a shorter knob 20-1 g and a longer knob20-2 g connected by a flat, or planar, ramp 38 g.

The shorter knob 20-1 g comprises a first leading edge bevel 30-1 g. Thelonger knob 20-2 g comprises a second leading edge bevel 30-2 gpositioned ahead, or in front, of the first leading edge bevel 30-1 gsuch that the longer leading edge bevel 30-2 g would engage the groundsurface prior to the shorter leading edge bevel 30-1 g. The flat ramp 38g connects and transitions the first leading edge bevel 30-1 g to thesecond leading edge bevel 30-2 g. Each knob set 22 g may comprise anoptional elongate channel 43 g formed on the outermost surface.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustratedembodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples andthat they should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined bythe following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that theelements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, itmust be expressly understood that the invention includes othercombinations of fewer, more or different ones of the disclosed elements.

The words used in this specification to describe the invention and itsvarious embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of theircommonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in thisspecification the generic structure, material or acts of which theyrepresent a single species.

The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are,therefore, defined in this specification to not only include thecombination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense itis therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or moreelements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below orthat a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in aclaim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expresslyunderstood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can insome cases be excised from the combination and that the claimedcombination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of asubcombination.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by aperson with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, areexpressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of theclaims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one withordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of thedefined elements.

The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specificallyillustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, whatcan be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essentialidea of the invention.

What is claimed is: 1 A tire, comprising: a first knob comprising afirst leading edge bevel, a first outermost surface, a first trailingedge and a first length; a second knob attached to the first knob, thesecond knob comprising a second leading edge bevel, a second outermostsurface, a second trailing edge and a second length; and a rampconnecting the first beveled leading edge and the second beveled leadingedge. wherein the first trailing edge and the second trailing edge aregenerally parallel to each other and to a width-wise direction acrossthe tire.
 2. The tire of claim 1, wherein the second leading edge bevelis disposed ahead of the first leading edge bevel such that, during useof the tire, the second leading edge bevel contacts a ground surfaceprior to the first leading edge bevel.
 3. The tire of claim 2, whereinthe first knob is positioned lateral to the second knob.
 4. The tire ofclaim 2, wherein the first knob is positioned medial to the second knob.5. The tire of claim 1, wherein the ramp comprises a curved sidewall. 6.The tire of claim 1, further comprising an axial channel disposed inbetween the first outermost surface and the second outermost surface. 7.The tire of claim 1, further comprising a base integral with both thefirst knob and the second knob.
 8. The tire of claim 1, wherein thefirst knob and the second knob are disposed in a central zone of anouter surface of the tire, the tire further comprising: a third knob anda fourth knob attached to each other and positioned in an outer zone. 9.A tire, comprising: an outer surface having a central zone, a firstsidewall defining a first outer zone, and a second sidewall defining asecond outer zone; a first knob set disposed in the central zone, thefirst knob set comprising a first knob and a second knob, the first knobhaving a first forward leading edge bevel, the second knob having afirst recessed leading edge bevel, wherein a first ramp connects thefirst forward leading edge bevel and the first recessed leading edgebevel; a second knob set disposed in the central zone and disposedtransversely to the first knob set, the second knob set comprising athird knob having a second forward leading edge bevel, a fourth knobhaving a second recessed leading edge bevel, wherein a second rampconnects the second forward leading edge bevel and the second recessedleading edge bevel.
 10. The tire of claim 9, wherein: the first forwardleading edge bevel and the first recessed leading edge bevel areattached to a first common base; and the second forward leading edgebevel and the second recessed leading edge bevel are attached to asecond common base.
 11. The tire of claim 9, wherein: the first knob setcomprises a first pair of elongate outermost surfaces divided by a firstaxial channel; and the second knob set comprises a second pair ofelongate outermost surfaces divided by a second axial channel.
 12. Thetire of claim 9, wherein: the tire includes a plurality of width-wiserows positioned about an outer circumference of the tire, wherein eachof the plurality of width-wise rows includes the first knob set and thesecond knob set; each of the plurality of width-wise rows include aspacing between the first knob set and the second knob set; and thespacing between the first knob set and the second knob set in a firstone of the plurality of width-wise rows is different from the spacingbetween the first knob set and the second knob set in another one of theplurality of width-wise rows.
 13. The tire of claim 9, wherein the firstknob set and the second knob set each have a trailing edge, the trailingedge extending linearly across a width-wise direction of the tire. 14.The tire of claim 13, wherein the trailing edge of both the first knobset and the second knob set lie in a common plane.
 15. The tire of claim9, wherein the first forward leading edge bevel is disposed ahead of thefirst recessed leading edge bevel such that, during use of the tire, thefirst forward leading edge bevel contacts a ground surface prior to thefirst recessed leading edge bevel.
 16. A tire, comprising: a first knobcomprising a first leading edge bevel, a first outermost surface, afirst trailing edge and a first length; a second knob attached to thefirst knob, the second knob comprising a second leading edge bevel, asecond outermost surface, a second trailing edge and a second length; aramp comprising a sidewall connecting the first beveled leading edge andthe second beveled leading edge; and a base integral with both the firstknob and the second knob, wherein the second leading edge bevel isdisposed ahead of the first leading edge bevel such that, when the tireis in use, the second leading edge bevel contacts a ground surfacebefore the first leading edge bevel, and wherein an axial channel isdisposed in between the first outermost surface and the second outermostsurface.
 17. The tire of claim 16, wherein the first knob and the secondknob are disposed in a central zone of an outer surface of the tire, thetire further comprising: a third knob and a fourth knob attached to eachother and positioned in an outer zone.
 18. The tire of claim 16, whereinthe first trailing edge and the second trailing edge are generallyparallel to each other and to a width-wise direction across the tire.19. The tire of claim 16, further comprising: a third knob comprising athird leading edge bevel, a third outermost surface, a third trailingedge and a third length; a fourth knob attached to the third knob, thefourth knob comprising a fourth leading edge bevel, a fourth outermostsurface, a fourth trailing edge and a fourth length; a ramp comprising asidewall connecting the first beveled leading edge and the secondbeveled leading edge; and a base integral with both the first knob andthe second knob, wherein the first knob and the second knob form a firstknob set and the third knob and the fourth knob form a second knob set,the first knob set positioned alongside, in a width-wise direction, thesecond knob set, with a spacing therebetween.
 20. The tire of claim 19,wherein the first knob set and the second knob set each have a trailingedge, the trailing edge extending linearly across a width-wise directionof the tire.